Part 27 (2/2)
interjected Mrs. Harris.
”Ha! That's easier, aunty,” and a smile of satisfaction spread over his face.
”Proceed!” exclaimed his aunt, sententiously.
”I beg to express to your lords.h.i.+p”--
”Sam!” said Mrs. Harris, interrupting him, ”you have omitted the very pith and essence of initiatory greeting.”
”Ea--ha! How?” exclaimed Sam, surprised.
”By neglecting to make obeisance.”
”To you, aunty?”
”To me. Now, Sam, beware of shyness. Bow naturally and with unaffected ease.”
”All ready?” inquired Sam.
”Proceed!”
With that he bowed--bowed with a charm of grace that brought a look of pleased surprise from Mrs. Harris. It was evident she was already mollified.
”I beg your lords.h.i.+p will permit me the honor personally to express my appreciation, and to tender to you my heartfelt thanks for your kind services to me last night.”
The smile of unaffected pleasure that brightened his face, at the knowledge that his aunt was pleased, a.s.sisted him wonderfully through the ordeal, for such he considered it.
”My compliments, Sam!” exclaimed Mrs. Harris, who appeared immensely pleased.
”Aw--deuced well delivered, don't che know!”
They turned and beheld Rutley and Hazel standing in the doorway.
Sam's chagrin was very great, and conscious of his inability to conceal his disgusted facial expression, turned aside and muttered, ”Wouldn't that fizz you?”
Mrs. Harris was evidently much gratified, for she pointedly remarked, ”Your lords.h.i.+p must now concede that our boy was not intentionally rude.”
As for Sam, his vexation was great, and though he discreetly kept silence, the hot blood reddened his face perceptibly. He had unwittingly humbled himself to a man, who, he felt instinctively, was his enemy.
Just what brought Rutley and Hazel to the doorway in time to hear Sam's expression of thanks was never explained. But it may be presumed he had some announcement to make which the unexpected apology from Sam had made unnecessary.
Its effect on Rutley was instantaneous, for his frigidity melted as snow beneath a summer sun. The monocle came down from his eye and a gracious, condescending smile overspread his face.
”I am very sorry the accident happened, and I beg you to believe I have been deeply concerned about your hurt.”
”We are sure your lords.h.i.+p has suffered great mental anguish over the unfortunate affair,” responded Mrs. Harris, relieved by Rutley's condescension.
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